Ann Kallagher Award for Excellent Service for Blind and Visually Impaired Customers
Ann Kallagher Award 2007
Five-year-old Daniel's parents Julie and Chris were forced to tell their son he wasn't allowed to play on bouncy castles at leisure facilities for health and safety reasons.
Sarah Capes, an optician at Stockton Specsavers came to the rescue saying she "liked a challenge". The Billingham youngster was fitted with a pair of specialist sports glasses Little Daniel Forrest was left devastated after an eye condition barred him from playing on bouncy castles with his friends. that allow him to join in the fun, with Specsavers absorbing the costs.
BlindVoice UK awarded Specsavers the “Ann Kallagher Award” for “Excellent Service and Outstanding Accomplishments for Blind & Visually Impaired Customers”.
End of Award 2007
Ann Kallagher Award 2006
Stockton Borough Libraries were nominated for an award for their outstanding services to blind and visually impaired peoplein Stockton Borough. Trustees and staff of BlindVoice UK wereunanimous in their decision. The following services were commended:
The Housebound Service and Brailling of Books with a special commendation to Pam Wilson for her support over the years and a thank you to all the staff who provide an excellent service. The Worshipful the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Mrs Suzanne Fletcher, George Glass, Chairman BlindVoice UK presented the Award to Pam Wilson, Priority Services Officer of Stockton Borough Libraries.
End of Award 2006
Ann Kallagher Award 2005
Rob Tucker and Marks & Spencer Stockton 2005
Ann Kallagher Award for Excellent Service for Blind and Visually Impaired Customers 11.00am Tuesday 24th May
The team at Marks & Spencer Wellington Square store in Stockton has been rewarded for going that one step further to make a difference to people with disabilities.
Employees at the store go that extra mile to treat their visually impaired customers well, helping with shopping and making sure a taxi is called to take them home with their purchases. Marks & Spencer also provides audio versions of their magazines, so visually impaired customers are kept up to date on special offers.
BlindVoice UK is therefore presenting Marks & Spencer with the 2005 Ann Kallagher Award for the provision of a blind friendly environment and a supportive, welcoming atmosphere.
George Glass Chairman of BlindVoice UK who will present the award in memory of their founder member said, "The staff at Marks & Spencer are superb and always helpful, nothing is a bother to them, even when they are really busy. There were several nominations but Marks & Spencer received a unanimous vote from the Trustees."
Lynne Crawford, Marks & Spencer Stockton store manager said, "We are delighted to receive this prestigious award. Not only does it recognise our commitment to ensuring our visually impaired customers get the best service possible, we hope it will also encourage many more blind and visually impaired people to use our store. All they have to do is ask for any assistance they may need and we will be pleased to help them in every way we can."
Wellington Square Shopping Centre manager Rob Gildersleeve said: "This award is a huge boost for Wellington Square as our retailers strive for customer excellence. As a centre, we do everything possible under the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) and we are delighted that two stores have now won this award."
Previous winners of the award have been Asda, Boots the Chemist, Debenhams and the Sun Inn, all who won their awards for help with shopping and services.
End of Award 2005
Ann Kallagher Award 2004
Sun Inn 2004
The fourth year of the Ann Kallagher Award takes an unexpected turn this year as the Award goes to the Sun Inn in Stockton.
Previous winners of the Award have been Asda, Boots the Chemist and Debenhams who won their awards for help with shopping. This time the Sun Inn has won the award for the provision of a blind friendly environment and a supportive, welcoming atmosphere.
George Glass Chairman of BlindVoice UK who will present the Award in memory of their founder member said, “ The staff at the Sun Inn are superb and always helpful. Particular tribute should be given to the Sun Inn Folk Club on a Monday night where I am often joined by younger members of the group to enjoy the weekly singarounds and guests.”
John Williamson whose family run the pub said, "We are delighted that what we regard as part of our everyday job to assist our customers has been rewarded in this way. We hope we can encourage many more blind and visually impaired people to enjoy our facilities, all they have to do is ask for any help they may require and we will be pleased to meet their requirements”
End of Awards page